Tuesday 11 October, 2011
In today's business world, running a lean and green business
is not only good for the environment - it's downright essential to
staying relevant and competitive. Discover some key areas of focus when
beginning your green journey.
Gone are the days of carelessly consuming resources, not keeping track
of your businesses' emissions and impacts on the environment. Businesses
are accountable and - whilst this can at times be an extra burden on
already stretched operations - there are clear benefits for those who
take the opportunity to change and become lean and green.
Running a lean and green operation is good for the bottom line - but be prepared for some short-term costs for longer-term gains.
Tablet PCs, such as the iPad are a great option for employees who print off lots of paper - particularly marketing collateral or reports. Not only do these devices consume much less electricity, they are a unique way of eliminating paper almost completely. Weigh up the cost to purchase one of these devices, against the cost of printing - paper, ink, maintenance etc.
If printing is a must - make sure it is double-sided (duplex) and the paper is recycled.
If you have a fleet of vehicles, explore the possibility of hybrid electric vehicles as an alternative to your standard petrol powered fleet.
To further reduce the environmental impacts of transport on your business, consider suppliers who are closer to your business. This reduces the distance travelled to supply your site, and therefore reduces your overall emissions.
Recycling bins are a must for any green business. These should be readily available and the preferred option. Ensure that any secure document destruction companies you work with share your green vision, and recycle their shredded documents.
Consider removing personal waste baskets from staffs' desks to encourage them to think twice before generating waste.
Installing a mini-compost facility in each kitchen is an alternative to sending your office's food scraps to landfill; send them to the compost bin instead. From used coffee grounds and paper napkins to half-eaten meals and vegetable trimmings - food scraps and food-soiled paper that your office typically throws away can be collected to make nutrient-rich compost.
Review your lighting, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Cooling) and other sources of high energy usage. Consider automation if possible, so that being environmentally friendly isn't just left up to the memory of staff.
Skylights and energy efficient globes are proven to reduce energy costs by providing more efficient lighting alternatives.
Ensure your workforce is aware of, and committed to, your energy management policy or sustainability plan. This could include creating an Energy Management team, encouraging staff to share energy saving ideas, establishing benchmarks or targets and regularly monitoring energy usage.
Take the opportunity to personally engage your staff as to why it is important to contribute to this environmental initiative - and be sure to communicate any wins relating to your company's movement towards becoming greener.
Encourage outside group activities that have an environmental focus, such as tree planting or a recycling drive. This is not only good for the planet, but can do wonders for employee relationships and engagement within the company.
Your business should be loud and proud about being lean and green. Extend your influence to your current and potential suppliers, by making it known that your business prefers to work with suppliers that have a similar green, environmentally friendly focus.
Soon, there will be discerning clients that will only want to work with companies that are environmentally sustainable. There will be a number of reasons for this, ranging from reputation to legislation - so ensure that your business is not left behind in this cultural shift.
Running a lean and green operation is good for the bottom line - but be prepared for some short-term costs for longer-term gains.
Paper
Reducing your paper usage is by far the easiest way to begin your lean and green journey. Encourage your employees to think twice before printing emails, and if you find staff are printing out because they don't like to read off a screen, and look at getting monitors that are easier on the eyes, such as LCD or LED.Tablet PCs, such as the iPad are a great option for employees who print off lots of paper - particularly marketing collateral or reports. Not only do these devices consume much less electricity, they are a unique way of eliminating paper almost completely. Weigh up the cost to purchase one of these devices, against the cost of printing - paper, ink, maintenance etc.
If printing is a must - make sure it is double-sided (duplex) and the paper is recycled.
Transport
Encourage your employees to utilise public transport, or bike to work. This can reduce your car parking costs if any, and also have a significant impact on the health and fitness of your employees due to the increased activity. Shower facilities and bike racks or lockers can help to drive employees towards these transport options.If you have a fleet of vehicles, explore the possibility of hybrid electric vehicles as an alternative to your standard petrol powered fleet.
To further reduce the environmental impacts of transport on your business, consider suppliers who are closer to your business. This reduces the distance travelled to supply your site, and therefore reduces your overall emissions.
Water and waste
In the men's bathroom - explore installing a waterless urinal. Utilising deodorising cubes, this technology will save up to 99.9% of water compared to a conventional flushing urinal. For everyone else, ensure every toilet has a "half-flush" option.Recycling bins are a must for any green business. These should be readily available and the preferred option. Ensure that any secure document destruction companies you work with share your green vision, and recycle their shredded documents.
Consider removing personal waste baskets from staffs' desks to encourage them to think twice before generating waste.
Installing a mini-compost facility in each kitchen is an alternative to sending your office's food scraps to landfill; send them to the compost bin instead. From used coffee grounds and paper napkins to half-eaten meals and vegetable trimmings - food scraps and food-soiled paper that your office typically throws away can be collected to make nutrient-rich compost.
Electricity
Choosing an Accredited Green Electricity plan is an easy way to passively offset your emissions - these plans are normally slightly more expensive because of this. Green Electricity plans use renewable energy sourced from the sun, the wind, water and waste that is purchased by your energy company on your behalf.Review your lighting, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Cooling) and other sources of high energy usage. Consider automation if possible, so that being environmentally friendly isn't just left up to the memory of staff.
Skylights and energy efficient globes are proven to reduce energy costs by providing more efficient lighting alternatives.
Culture
Beginning a journey within your company to become leaner and greener involves everyone in your business. As a leader, it's impossible to be everywhere at once. Consider appointing Environmental Champions, who can represent and role model your new initiative in their particular divisions.Ensure your workforce is aware of, and committed to, your energy management policy or sustainability plan. This could include creating an Energy Management team, encouraging staff to share energy saving ideas, establishing benchmarks or targets and regularly monitoring energy usage.
Take the opportunity to personally engage your staff as to why it is important to contribute to this environmental initiative - and be sure to communicate any wins relating to your company's movement towards becoming greener.
Encourage outside group activities that have an environmental focus, such as tree planting or a recycling drive. This is not only good for the planet, but can do wonders for employee relationships and engagement within the company.
In conclusion
When your business makes the decision to change and implement a sustained efficiency strategy, the benefits are much more than just cost savings.Your business should be loud and proud about being lean and green. Extend your influence to your current and potential suppliers, by making it known that your business prefers to work with suppliers that have a similar green, environmentally friendly focus.
Soon, there will be discerning clients that will only want to work with companies that are environmentally sustainable. There will be a number of reasons for this, ranging from reputation to legislation - so ensure that your business is not left behind in this cultural shift.
Author Credits
Jason Fabbri, General Manager of Energy Watch Business is an
experienced leader with an Energy industry focus. Jason specializes in
Business Transformation, Process Improvement and Vendor Management. He
is passionate about driving Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
initiatives within organizations. Jason can be contacted on
+613-9234-7816 and is available to comment on energy at home and in the
workplace. Don’t be left in the dark, Get a FREE assessment of your
business energy costs, along with tailored recommendations at
www.energywatchbusiness.com.au.
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